The best kind of oats to use for overnight oats is old-fashioned rolled oats (also called rolled oats). They soak up the liquid overnight to achieve a creamy yet slightly chewy texture without becoming mushy. Rolled oats strike a good balance because they absorb just enough liquid for softness but maintain some bite. Steel-cut oats can also be used if a hearty and chewy texture is preferred, but they take longer to soak and may remain a bit dense unless soaked for multiple nights. Quick oats or instant oats tend to become mushy and lose texture when soaked overnight, so they are less recommended for traditional overnight oats. In summary:
- Best overall: Old-fashioned rolled oats (creamy, slightly chewy)
- Alternative for chewiness: Steel-cut oats (denser, nutty flavor, longer soak)
- Not ideal: Quick or instant oats (can get mushy)
These recommendations are widely favored by recipes and oat enthusiasts alike for optimal overnight oats texture and taste.
